The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is warning people who use drugs there may be potentially dangerous opioids in the community, following reports by Kawartha Lakes police of five overdose incidents in the last six days.
The overdoses are thought to be the result of a contaminated or poisoned drug supply or inconsistent or increased potency, causing more severe overdose reactions.
“We are very concerned about these recent overdose incidents and are encouraging everyone to be extra vigilant and aware,” says Catherine MacDonald, the health unit’s substances and harm reduction coordinator. “This alert is being issued because there are potentially toxic substances present in the community that are putting people’s health at risk.”
Signs of an overdose include very large or very small pupils, slow or no breathing, cold and clammy skin, blue or purple fingernails or lips, and snoring or gurgling sounds. Often in drug overdoses, it is also difficult to wake up the person.
The health unit is reminding anyone who uses drugs (or know someone who does) to follow these safety tips: test a small amount of drug before you use, never use alone, ensure that 9-1-1 can be contacted in the event of an overdose, avoid mixing your drugs, and keep a naloxone kit on hand.
Naloxone is an emergency medicine that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose until the victim can get to hospital for treatment. Many local police and emergency responders already carry naloxone.
Free kits are also available to people who use opioids, as well as their family and friends, at participating pharmacies in Kawartha Lakes. To find exact locations for free naloxone kits, visit the Ontario government website at ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit.
